|
|
In
1873, Harvard Medical School professor Edward H. Clarke warned society
in his bood Sex in Education that young women could not study and learn
"and retain uninjured health and a future secure from (sickness), hysteria,
and other derangement of the nervous system." This evidence documented
a reputation for women in society. Norms of society dictated
women as property of father or husband nor have guardianship over their
biological children. In some states, women were not allowed to own property.
First
introduced in Congress in 1868, the proposed amendment for women's right
to vote was stalled. In 1878 the amendment took on the nickname of
the Anthony Amendment due to suffrage leader Susan
B. Anthony. TIMELINE
Anthony shaped the amendment's wording, "The right of the citizens of the
United States to vote shall not be abridged by the United States or by
any state on account of sex." This bill was debated and
debated through the late 1800's, disappearing in 1896 not to resurfuce
until 1913.
Legal challenges included Supreme Court case Minor v. Happersett in 1874 challenging the right to vote based on citizenship of the consititution. However, the Supreme Court decided unanimously in 1875 that the State of Missouri had no obligation to allow women to vote. (Wonder what Missouri's position is today on ERA? See Ratified States.) Bradwell v. Illinois in 1873 denied a femaile a state license to practice law. Even though, Illinois allowed Bradwell her license in 1890, a precedent had been set.
Supported
in the 1900 Progressive
Party and praised for volunteer efforts in WWI suffragettes
or "suffs" wore yellow rolses on their lapels while picketing, parading
and protesting the right to vote. The Suffrage
Movement gained power through the National
American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA). NAWSA
leaders Carrie Chapman Catt and Alice Paul helped to unify the movement
and draw national attention. In 1917, the NAWSA was the largest
voluntary organization in the country. It was not until 1918 that
Congress proposed the suffrage and passed
19th
Amendment in 1920, "The
right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged
by the United States or by any state on account of sex."
Geography
Lesson Plan - States in Order of Ratification
Involvement
in Non-Violence Protest
Involvement
in Agressive Action
The
National Organization of Women (NOW)
is commited "to take action to bring American women into full participation
in the mainstrieam of American society now."
NOW's goals incule fair pay, ewal job opportunities and limiting a "false
image" of women in media. NOW is committed to the ratification of
the Equal Rights Amendment.
Opponent of NOW, Phyllis Schlafly, argues that ERA will instead limit
women's rights.
The
Era Rights Amendment
was passed by Congress in 1972; howeverthe amendmend must be ratified by
38 states. Presently (11/23/99)
35
states have ratified the amendment. Which Senators and Representatives
have been co-sponsors of this amendment? Which states
have ratified the amendment? Which states
have not ratified the amendment?